Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass in Atlanta, GA
Gastric bypass surgery makes changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight and improve your health. Dr. Michael Williams and Dr. Brendon Curtis at Laparoscopic & Endoscopic Surgery Institute offer Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for patients in Alpharetta and the Greater Atlanta area.
Make an appointmentWhat Is Gastric Bypass?
Gastric Bypass is one of the popular bariatric surgery options in Atlanta. Pronounced like “roo-en-why”, it is often abbreviated to RYGB. It’s what we call a combined surgery because it uses both restrictive and malabsorptive techniques to help aid in weight loss. It is restrictive because we reduce the size of your stomach so you consume less food, and malabsorptive because food bypasses a section of the small intestine during digestion. It is a popular bariatric surgery because it provides great results with few side effects.
What to Expect
As often as possible, Roux-en-Y is performed laparoscopically. This means we make several small incisions and use those to insert our surgical tools, instead of making one large incision across your abdomen. The benefit of this is reduced scarring and healing time. However, not everyone is a good candidate for this style of surgery.
After making the incisions, we will enter the abdomen and reduce the size of the stomach. Your surgeon will decide whether to use surgical staples or the vertical banding method to achieve this. Then, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine will be attached to the new, smaller stomach. This allows food to bypass the lower stomach so your body absorbs fewer calories.
After recovery, you will be encouraged to adopt healthier eating patterns since your stomach will only be able to hold a few ounces of food at a time. It’s important that you still receive the proper amounts of protein, and you may be recommended vitamin supplements. It is best to avoid sweets and fatty foods as much as possible.
Benefits
Obviously, the biggest benefit of Roux-en-Y bariatric surgery is the weight loss. You may also experience a reduction or elimination of other health conditions related to your weight such as diabetes, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure. This leads to an overall healthier body.
Risks
However, there are still risks, just as with any bariatric surgery. If your surgeon opts for surgical staples and these get disrupted, you may experience leakage or infection. Due to the reduced size of the stomach, you may have trouble getting all the nutrients your body needs in such a small quantity. This can lead to malnutrition or anemia. You may also run the risk of a possible obstruction in the GI tract, hernia, or chronic vomiting or diarrhea.
Testimonials
Top Gastric Bypass Surgeons
in Atlanta, GA
Michael Williams, MD, FACS, FASMBS, brings over 18 years of experience, and Brendon Curtis, MD, FACS, FASMBS, brings over a decade of experience in bariatric and general surgery, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. They provide patient-centered bariatric care at Laparoscopic & Endoscopic Surgery Institute for patients in Alpharetta and the Greater Atlanta area.
Dr. Michael Williams
Bariatric Surgeon
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Dr. Brendon Curtis
Bariatric Surgeon
Learn MoreFAQ’s
How much weight can I expect to lose and how fast after a bypass?
Most patients lose between 60% and 80% of their excess weight within 12 to 18 months after their gastric bypass surgery. Excess weight is the difference between your current weight and the weight that is considered “healthy” for you and your frame. For example, if your starting weight is 350 pounds and your “healthy” goal weight is 160, you have 190 pounds of “excess weight.”
What happens to my old stomach that is bypassed?
The portion of your stomach that is separated out and bypassed remains in place, along with its blood supply. It still produces digestive juices that wash further down and are used, but it does not process any food.
Will I have dumping syndrome after gastric bypass?
Dumping syndrome can happen after gastric bypass when food travels too quickly into your small intestine and causes nausea, sweating, diarrhea, and all kinds of stomach discomfort. Following your surgeon’s advice on what to eat and foods to avoid after gastric bypass surgery can help you avoid this unpleasant experience. Foods that are fried, greasy, or sugar-filled are some of the most common triggers of dumping syndrome.
Can a gastric bypass be reversed?
Yes, unlike gastric sleeve surgery, a gastric bypass can technically be reversed, but it is a very complicated and risky procedure and is rarely done.
Can I drink carbonated drinks or alcohol after surgery?
After a gastric bypass, your body will handle these types of beverages very differently. Drinks that have carbonation can cause pressure and stomach discomfort, so doctors suggest that you avoid them. Alcohol will affect you much differently than before. It will mess up your blood sugar levels and can cause you to crash, and it will hit you harder and faster after your gastric sleeve surgery. Both carbonated drinks and alcohol should be avoided after a gastric bypass.
Is Gastric Bypass Bariatric Surgery Right for You?
There are many types of bariatric surgery to see significant and long-lasting weight loss. If you’re interested in Roux-en-Y or would like to explore other options, please contact us at Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgery Institute. We’ve been the top choice for bariatric surgery Atlanta residents know and trust for years. Reach out to us online or call your nearest office location to schedule a consultation.
Our Location
Alpharetta, GA
5755 North Point Parkway, Suite 223, Alpharetta, GA 30022
(770) 282-1322
Fax: (770) 500-3664
Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 4 PM
Lunch break: 12 PM – 1 PM
Your Journey to Weight Loss Success Can Begin Today
We are committed to not only treating your immediate surgical needs but also helping you achieve lasting health by making informed decisions about your weight and establishing healthy habits. Our staff are excited to meet you and begin helping you with your weight loss journey!
